Fluid power converter



Jan. 9, 1962 A. E. RINEER 3,016,021

FLUID POWER CONVERTER Filed July 24, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 BY WWW HIS TTOENE'YS A. E. RINEER 3,016,021

FLUID POWER CONVERTER Jan. 9, 1962 Filed July 24, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. #ETAM/E 6'. Z/A/EEE BY ,WVM

United States Patent O 3,016,021 FLUID POWER CONVERTER Arthur E. Rincer, 41 East Drive, Centerville, Ohio Filed July 24, 1958, Ser. No. 750,751 9 Claims. (Cl. 103-123) This invention relates to a fluid power converter wherein power from a fluid under pressure may be converted to mechanical power and vice versa and more particularly to improvements in my copending'application, Serial No. 640,918, filed February 18, 1957 for Fluid Power Converter, of which this application forms a continuation-inpart.A

An object of this invention is the provision of a rotary fluid power converter provided with new and improved internal fluid circuitry enabling the power converter to be shifted from an operative to a nonoperative condition and vice versa solely through manipulation of the fluid circuits leading to the power converter.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a novel fluid motor and associated control circuitry, the motor being selectively operablev in reversed directions without alteration or interruption of the fluid input to the motor.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an assembly for the conversion of fluid power to mechanical power including a uid motor provided with a single fluid inlet and dual fluid outlets in combination with a control valve for selectively closing one of the dual outlets as a means of controlling the direction of operation of the fluid motor.

Other objects and advantages reside in the construction of parts, the combination thereof, the method of manufacture and the mode of operation, as will become more apparent from the following description.

-In the drawings, FIGURE l is a perspective View of the iiuid power converter of this invention.

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along the line 2 2 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary schematic view illustrating in sectional detail a control valve operatively connected with the fluid power converter.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken substantially'along the line 4 4 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 5 is a plan view of the stator element of the power converter drawn to reduced scale.

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view taken substantially along the line 6 6 of FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view taken substantially along the line 7 7 of FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view taken in the direction indicated by the line 8 8 of FIGURE 5.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the internal structure of the fluid power converter 10 of FIGURE l is best illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 4. The torque transmitting elements of the uid power converter are a stator 12 and a rotor 14, the latter being encircled by the former. As best illustrated in FIGURE 4, the rotor 14 is integral with a tubular shaft 16. This shaft is provided with a key way 94 adapted to receive a key 96 for attachment to a driven, or a driving, apparatus. The power converter is assembled upon this shaft 16.

In assembling the power converter an annular ring 20, hereinafter referred to as a manifold element, provided with an internally seated O-ring 42 is projected over one end of the tubular shaft 16 against one side of the rotor 14. The manifold element 20 is supported rotatably upon the shaft 16 by means of a roller bearing 23 retained on the shaft 16 by aV snap ring 24 seated in an annular groove in the shaft 16.V

With the manifold element 20 thus secured to the shaft 16, a cup-shaped housing 18 having an apertured base ICC portion 19 is projected concentrically over the shaft 16 with the base 19 abutted against the manifold element 20. An O-ring 21, recessed in the base portion 19 opposite the manifold element 20, provides a uid seal between these elements. The housing 18 is nonrotatably secured to the manifold element 20 by means of pins 26.

With the housing 18 in place, the annular stator element 12, which is provided with externally grooved O- rings 38, is slid into the housing 18 in opposing concentric relation to the rotor 14. Next, a second annular manifold element 22 provided with internally and externally grooved O-rings 40 and 44, respectively, is slid into the housing 1S into abutment with the annular stator 12. The manifold element 22 is supported for rotation with respect to the shaft 16 by a roller bearing 30.

The open end of the housing 18 is threaded to receive an externally threaded annular ring 32 adapted to clamp against the outer race of the roller bearing 30. Tightening of the ring 32 serves to draw the manifold elements 20 and 22 and the stator 12 into a tight sandwich. Thus, the entire assembly including the housing 18, the manifold elements 20 and 22, the stator 12 and the ring 32 is supported by the roller bearings 23 and 30 for rotation upon the shaft 16. As viewed in FIGURE 4, the right end of the shaft 16 is threaded to receive a nut 34 which is tightened upon a lock washer 36 to take up any axial play of the stator assembly relative to the shaft 16.

Pins 27, best seen in FIGURE 2, positioned in holes 29 in the stator 12, best seen in FIGURE 5, engage corresponding holes, not illustrated, in the -manifold element 20 to secure the stator 12 nonrotatably to the manifold element 20. Like pins, not illustrated, secure the manifold element 22 nonrotatably to the stator 12. These pins together with the pins 26 securing the manifold element 20 nonrotatably to the housing 18 serve to anchor the housing 18, the manifold elements 20 and 22,v and the stator 12 in fixed registry.

r1`he construction of the stator 12 is best illustrated in FIGURES 5 through 8. Referring to FIGURE 5, the inner periphery of the stator 12 is divided into four like sectors 52 by means of four equispaced channels 50. On either side of each channel 50 the stator is cut on a radius, defined as the pitch radius, to provide lands 54 flanking the channels 50. Between adjacent lands 54 each sector 52 of the inner periphery of the stator is cut on a radius substantially less than the pitch radius, such that the sectors 52 are indented or recessed.

Referring to FIGURES 6 and 7, the outer periphery of the stator 12 is provided with three spaced annular grooves. Adjacent each end of the stator 12 an annular groove 39 is provided for receiving the O-rings 38. Between the grooves 39 a groove 56 encircles the stator 12. Three radially disposed ports 58, asbest seen in FIGURE 6, connect each channel 50 with the annular groove 56.

As best illustrated in FIGURE 4, the annular groove 56 of the stator lcommunica-tes with a port 60 in the housing 18. The port 60 is 'internally threaded suitable fitting.

As best illustrated in FIGURES 5 and 7, four equispaced borings 64 extend axially into the body of the` stator 12 from one side thereof. A pair of ports 66 connects each of the borings 64 to the inner periphery ofthestator 12. The ports 66 open to the inner periphery of the stator 12 through one of the lands 54 disposed to one side of each of the channels 50. Similar borings 68 entering the body of the stator 12 from the opposite side conneet through ports 70 to the land 54 on the other side of each of the channels 50.

In the assembled power converter, as illustrated in FIGURE 4, each of `the borings `64 in the stator 12 communicates with an annular mani-fold 72 provided in the power converter between the inner wall of the housing 18 for receipt of a cates with an annular manifold 74 provided.V in the fluid power converter between the inner wall of the housing '118 and the outer margin ofthe manifold element 22. The

' manifold 72 connects to a port 76 in the housing 18 Vwhich is internally threaded, as lillustrated at 80, for receipt of a suitable iitting. The manifold 74 connects to a port 78 in the housing 1'8 which is internally threaded, as illustrated at 82, for receipt of a suitable tting.

From the foregoing description, it is evident that the power converter is provided with three separate fluid circuits. The -rst of these circuits, hereinafter designated a control circuit, extends from the port 60 in the hous- -ing 18 through the manifolding groove -56 in the stator 12, through the ports 5S to the channels 50 of the stator 12. The second circuit extends from the port 76 through the manifold 72, through the borings 64 in the stator 12, through the ports y66 to the inner periphery of the stator 12 on one side of each channel 50 therein. The third circuit extends from the port 78 in the housing 18 through the manifold 74, through the borings 68 in the stator 12, through the ports 70 to .the inner periphery of the stator 12 to the other side of each of the channels therein. The alignment of the ports 58, 66 and 70, through which these three separate circuits open to the inner periphery of the stator 12, is best observed in FIGURE 8.

The construction of the rotor 14 is best illustrated in FIGURE 2. At a xed radius o-n the outer periphery of therotor, six equispaced channels 84 are provided. These channels 84 open to the interspace between the rotor and the stator at substantially the same radius at which the channels 50 of the stator open to tlr's interspace. As noted hereinbefore, this radius is termed the pitch radius. Between each of the channels 84 in the rotor 14, the periphery of the rotor is cut on a radius exceeding the pitch radius, with the result that the rotor surfaces 86 between adjacent channels 34 are indented or recessed. The arrangement is such that therotor 14 may rotate within the stator 12, there being a slight clearance provided between the outer margins of the channels 84 in the rotor and the lands 54 in the stator. The line of separation between the rotor and stator is at the pitch radius.

The six channels S4 in the rotor are interconnected by 'annular grooves 88 disposed in both sides of the rotor. Ports 90, illustrated in FIGURE 4, in the body of the manifold elements 20 and 22 connect the annular grooves 88 of the rotor with the channels 5% in the stator. That is, each of the channels 50 in the stator connects through ports 90 in the manifold elements 26 `and 22 to the an-V nular grooves 88 in the rotor, with the result that the channels 50 inthe stator and the channelsv84 in the rotor Yare always in communication. It is to be noted that the Y communication between the channels 50 and the channels 84extends from the bases ofthe channels 50 to the bases ofthe channels` 84. Y

As illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 4, a roller or abutment 92 having a length equal substantially to the width of the rotor and stator elements 14 and V12, respectively,

is positioned -in each of the channels S0 of the stator and Y inV each of thechannels 840i the rotor.

Y relation to the' diameter of the rollers 92, the contouring of the inner periphery of the stator 12 is-such that the maximum'departure of thev stator sectors 52 lfrom the Y pitchY radius, and the maximum departure ofthe rotor surfaces' from-the pitch radius, is less than the radius of .the rollers 92. As a consequence of this construction, the

rollers '92 are trapped within theirY respective channels g the ports being used as a fluid outlet.

50 and 84 and can move at most half way out orf their respective channels.

rfhe uid power converter of this invention may be caused to operate -in several diterent modes, depending upon the manner in which the three separate iluid circuits of the power converter are connected. Severa1 different types of connectionsl are described in the following.

In one type of operation, the port 60 in the housing 1S for the power converter is plugged shut. AEither of the ports 76 or 78 is used as a fluid inlet, with the other of As one example, assume the port 76 is the inlet and the port 78 is the outlet. Assume further, that the iluid employed is an incompressible iluid, such as water.

With this type of connection, the device will operate either as a motor or a pump, depending whether hydraulic power is supplied to the unit through the port 76, or mechanical power is supplied by rotating the rotor relative to the stator. lIn operation as a motor, fluid under pressure flows through the port 76, to the manifold 72, vto the borings 64 in the stator 12, through the ports 66 in the stator 12, to the interspace between the rotor and the stator. Once in this interspace, the hydraulic fluid will tend to flow in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIGURE 2, across the channels 50 in the statorto the ports 70 of the fluid outlet circuit. This initial ilow will establish a venturi effect across each of the channels 50 drawing the rollers 92 therein against the rotor surfaces, thereby cutting off the counterclockwise flow of uid in the power converter. 'In a similar manner, clockwise flow of the fluid in the power converter will be interrupted by movement of the rollers 92 in the channels 84 in the rotor into contact with the opposing stator surfaces.V As the rollers 92 move into operative positions the fluid entering the power converter fills the third fluid circuit of the power converter which has been plugged at the port 60. v

The rollers 92, when seated inoperative positions, divide the interspace between the rotor and stator into a plurality of chambers. Those chambers in communication with the inlet ports 66 are subjected to the inlet uid pressure, which tends to drive the rotor of the power converter in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIGURE 2. When the pressure in the inlet ports 66 has risen sufiiciently that the torque delivered to the rotor overcomes any load on the rotor, the rotorwill rotate relative to the stator in the clockwise direction las viewed in -FIG- URE 2. As the rotor rotates, those chambers which were initially in communication with the iluid inlet ports 66 eventually are brought into communication with the fluid outlet ports 70, the rollers in the rotor cooperating with the rollers in the'stator to squeeze the iluid'outof these chambers into the tluid outlet circuit. As the rotor and stator undergo relative rotation, the rollers 92 wipe the rotor and stator surfaces, dropping into their respective channels on passing one over the other.

Under this type of operation the fluid power 'converter operates as if thethird fluid circuit whiclihasbeen stopped up were not present. The operatingchara'cteristics of the fluid power converter under this type of connection are discussed in greater detail yin my copendi'ng 'application SerialNo. 595,372, led July 2, l956, nowPatent No. 2,992,616, and entitled Fluid Power Converter. Clearly, if the fluid inlet were changed from the port 76 to the port 7S, the rotor of the'uid power converter would be' driven in the reverse or counterclockwise directionjas viewed in FIGURE 3. 1 Y

if, instead of supplying fluid under pressure to the power converter, the vrotori'of the power converter is driven mechanically in the yclockwise direction as viewed in FIGURE 2, and if the uid port 76 is placed in communication with Va suitable iluid reservoir, the power converterY 1G Ywill operate to pump i'luidV from theV reservoir.

through theport 78. Conversely,.ifgthe rotor is driven in Ythe counterclocltwise direction as viewed .nFIGURE 2.

and if the port 78 is placed in communication with a reservoir, the uid power converter will operate as a pump pumping tiuid from the reservoir through the port 76. This type of operation is also discussed more fully in the above identied copending application.

Operation of the lluid power converter as a pump with this type of connection requires that a suicient venturi elect is created between the rotor and a stator to actuate the rollers 92 of these members. With liquids of comparatively low viscosity suchY as water, a suiiicient venturi effect can be created. With liquids with higher viscosity, such as oils, and with gases, however, artificial means must be employed for actuating the rollers 92 of the power converter to operative positions.

The uid circuit of the port 60 supplies one means for articially actuating the rollers 92. Clearly, when one of the ports 76 or 78 is connected to a uid exhaust and Huid under pressure is introduced in the port 60, there will be a movement of fluid from the port 60 to the exhaust circuit around the rollers 92. As a consequence, the rollers 92 will move with the uid into the interspace between the rotor and stator into operative positions. Conversely, a ow of iuid from either of the ports 76 or 78 through the circuit of the port 60 will draw the rollers 92 into their respective channels to nonoperative positions.

As an example the power converter may be used as a motor, there being a high pressure inlet to the port 76 and a low pressure exhaust from the port 78. Upon the introduction of uid under pressure in the port 76, a portion of the tluid will make its way to the outlet ports 70 while another portion of the fluid will make its way around the rollers 92 into the trigger circuit to the port 6i). This ow of iluid into the control circuit will draw the rollers 92 into their respective channels, such that the power converter will not be able to function as a motor. However, if the port 60 is connected with a source of huid under pressure, the ow of fluid into the control circuit may be reversed, whereupon the rollers 92 will be drawn into operative positions by the fiuid ow, the power converter then operating as a motor. Thereafter, the pressure in the control circuit may be reduced to equivalency with that of the inlet circuit.

While the power converter, connected as described, is operating as a motor, there is no net fluid flow in the control circuit and, except for pulsations in the control circuit due to the movement of the rollers 92 into'and out of their respective channels as they pass one over the other, the control circuit is static. If at any time the pressure in the control circuit is reduced, as by permitting the port '60 to exhaust, the rollers 92 will immediately move into their respective channels and the power converter will shift into a free wheeling or coasting condition. The power converter will 4remain inoperative until pressure is restored in the control circuit. -lt is thus apparent that when the power converter is operating as a motor, the control circuit may be employed to stop and start power transmission.

Analogously, when the power converter is operated as a pump, the control circuit associated with the port 60 may be used to start and stop the pumping action. As one example, assume that the port 76 is connected to a uid reservoir .and that uid is to be pumped out of the port 78. lf, while supplying the mechanical power to the rotor for .the power converter, iluid under pressure is briefly supplied to the control circuit through the port 60, the rollers 92 will be actuated into operative positions, and the power converter will commence operation as a pump. The operation as a pump will continue so long as the control circuit is maintained under pressure either by continuously supplying pressure to the port 60 or by plugging up the port 60. As was the case with the motor operation described above, the control circuit is static, that is, there is no net ow of iluid through the control circuit as the power converter is pumping.

If, while the power converter is operating as a pump,

Y clockwise direction.

the pressure in the control circuit is reduced, the rollers 92 will move into their respective channels to thereupon render the power converter inoperative as a pump. The power converter will remain inoperative until pressure is once again restored to the control circuit.

In the foregoing the use of the circuit associated with the port 60 of the power converter for regulating the operation of the power converter as a pump and as a motor has been described. In the above examples, when the power converter is operated as a motor and it is desired to reverse direction of rotation of the motor, it is necessary to interchange the fluid inlet and outlet. In the following, a circuit connection enabling reversible operation of the power converter without interchange of inlet and outlet connections is described.

lFor reversible operation of the fluid power converter as a motor, tluid under pressure is introduced through the port 60, such that the Huid flows into the interspace between the rotor and stator of the power converter through the bases of the channels 50 and 84 and around the rollers 92 therein. This fluid ow actuates the rollers 92 into operative positions. lf the port 76 of the power converter is plugged, the iiuid will exhaust through the ports 70 and the stator rollers 92 will move to the counterclockwise sides of their respective channels to cut ol a direct leakage of fluid to the ports 70. In consequence of this movement, the iluid flows on the clockwise side of each stator roller. Correspondingly, the rotor rollers 92 move to the clockwise sides of their respective channels to cut ott direct leakage of Huid to the ports 70 whereby the inlet tluid from the rotor channels ows on the counterclockwise side of each rotor roller. With this positioning of the rollers, the inlet uid reacts with the rollers to drive the rotor of the power converter in the clockwise direction as viewed in FIGURE 2. If on the other hand, the port 78 is plugged, the iluid will exhaust through the port 76 and, due to thechange in the location of the iluid outlets, the rollers 92 in both the rotor and stator shift to the opposite sides of their respective channels so as to cut off direct leakage of inlet fluid to the new outlet ports 66. With this shift in the positions of the rollers 92, the inlet fluid now reacts with the rollers to drive the rotor of the power converter in the counter- FIGURE 3 illustrates the power converter 10 connected Vfor reversible operation in association with a control valve 100. The control valve is provided with a uid receiving cavity 102 which connects with fluid inlet conduits 104e and 104b and with a uid exhaust conduit 108. The conduits -la and b connect to the ports 76 and 78 of the power converter 10, respectively, to form dual exhausts.

A spool valve 110, -mounted for reciprocal axial movement obstructs the passage of fluid from the conduits 104a and b into the receiving cavity 102. Solenoids 11211 and 1l12b, cooperating with springs 114a and 114b at the opposite ends of the spool valve 110, position the spool valve.

When both Solenoids 112a and 112b are deenergized, the springs 114e, and 1-14b center the spool valve 110 in the cavity 102 such that the spool valve plugs both the conduits 104:1 and 104k. Energization of the solenoid 112:1 compresses the spring 11411, and in consequence, the spring 114b will drive the spool valve 110 to the left as viewed in FIGURE 2, aligning a groove 118b in the spool valve with the conduit 104b. This opens the conduit 104b while the conduit 104a remains closed. Conversely, if the solenoid 112:1 is deenergized and l.the solethe conduits 104e and b are closed, another wherein only the conduit 104a is closed, and a third wherein only the conduit 104b is closed.

Thus, the

yvalve 100 operates as follows.

. converter.

Upon energization of the solenoid 1'12b the power conl verterV will operate in the counterclockwise direction. This type of motor operation-has the advantage that reversal of the direction of rotation of the rotor may be accomplished without change in the general direction of tluid flow through the inlet to the power converter. This makes possible extremely rapid reversal of the torque applied to the rotor.

In the foregoing, three basic modes of operation of a power converter embodying the novel fluid circuitry described herein have been described. It is to be understood that these modes of operation are adhered to only at comparatively low speeds and fluid pressures. At high operating speeds and pressures, the operating characteristics are not so easily predictable and many more factors than have been discussed herein must be considered. It will also occur to those skilled in the art that novel operating characteristics other than those discussed herein may be obtained. Y

Although the preferred embodiment of the device has been described, it will be understood that within the purview of this invention various changes may be -made in therform, details, proportion and arrangement of parts, the combination thereof and mode of operation, which generally stated consist in a device capable of carrying out the objects set forth, as disclosed and dened in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

l. A fluid power converter comprising, in combination, a stator and a rotor mounted one within the other for relative rotation, the relation of one to the other being such as to provide contiguous chambers therebetween,

^ said sta-tor being provided with a plurality of equispaced channels adjacent said rotor, abutments floatably disposed in said. channels, said abutments being engageable with said rotorto partition said chambers and to react with fluid' therein, means providing a iluid inlet conduit passing into said stator and communicating with each said channel behind the abutment therein,'there being clearance between 4the abutments and the walls of said channels for fluid ilow from said inlet conduit to said chambers, means providing a first `fluid outlet conduit communicating with said chambers at one side of each said channel, means providing a second iluid outlet conduit communicating withY said chambers at the other side of each said channel, said first and second outlet conduits communicating with the exterior of said power converter to convey iluid from said chambers, and means to selectively close one of said outlet conduits whereby fluid the otherabout their common axis, there being an annular spaceV therebetween, means enclosing the ends of said members to prevent escape of fluid from said annular space, said first member being provided with a contoured periphery cooperating with an opposing periphery of said Vsecond member to establish chambers in said annular space, said second member having a plurality of equispaced axially extending channels in the periphery Vthereof opening to said annularY space, a plurality of 8 axially extending rollers, there being one roller floatably disposed in each said channel, said rollers being freely movable radially to engage the opposing contoured surface of said first member to thereby partition said annular space and react with fluid therein, means providing a fluid inlet conduit in said second member opening to the base of each said channel7 there being a clearance between said rollers and the walls of said channels for fluid ilow from said inlet to said annular space, means providing a Vfirst iluid outlet conduit in said second member opening to said annular space adjacent one side of each said channel, means providing a second fluid outlet conduit in saidrsecond member opening to said annular space adjacent the other side of each said channeLand means to selectively close either of said first and second outlet conduits whereby fluid introduced in said power con- .verter through said iluid inlet ilows to the other of said outlet conduits, the iluid thus flowing reacting with said rollers to induce rotation of said first member, the direction of rotation of said first member being dependent upon which of said fluid outlets is closed.

3. A fluid power converter comprising a rotor'member and a stator member, one of said members being journalled within the other with an annular space therebetween, the members being concentrically mounted and rotatable one with respect to the other, means enclosing the ends of said members to prevent escape of fluid from said annular space, said members having opposing contoured surfaces cooperating toestablish chambers in said annular space, said contoured Surfaces being substantially cylindrical surfaces each providedwith a plurality yof equispaced axially extending channels and a recessed portion intermediate each pair of adjacent channels, the number of channels and recessed portions in said rotor member exceeding the number ofv channels and recessed portions in said stator member, a plurality of abutments, there being one abutment iloatingly positioned in each said channel and freely movable into said annular space to react with iluidtherein, means providing a fluid inlet conduit to said stator member communicating with the base of each channel therein, there being clearance between said abutments and the walls of said channels for fluid flow from said inlet conduit to said annularspace, means providing a rst outlet conduit in said stator membercommunicating with said annular space adjacent one side of each channel therein, means providing `a second outlet conduit in said stator member communicating with said annular space adjacent the other side of each channel therein, means to selectively close either of said first and second outlet conduits whereby iluid entering said annular space from said fluid `inlet conduit is caused to ilow to the other of said outlet conduits, such fluidreacting wit-h said abutments to induce rotation of-said rotor member as it flows toward the other outlet conduit, the direction of rotation of said rotor member being determined by which of .said outlet conduits is closed.

4. The fluid power converter according to claim 3 including means providing fluid passages placing the channels of said rotor member in communication with the channels of said stator member.

5. The combination with a fluid power converter comprising a rotor member and a stator member, one'of said members being journalled within the other ywith an an nular space therebetween, the members being concentrically mounted and Vrotatable Yone with Lrespectto the other about their common axis, means enclosing ythe ends of said members to prevent vescape of fluid from said'annular space, said rotor member being provided withl a contoured peripheryYA cooperating with `the* opposing periphery of said statorV member to establish cham'- bers in said annular space, said' stator member having a plurality' of equispaced axially extending channels in the periphery thereof opening Vto said annular space, a plurality of axially extending'abutments, there being one abutment oatably disposed in 'eachl said channel, said abutments being freely movable radially to engage the opposing contoured surface of said rotor member to thereby partition said annular space and react with :duid therein, means providing a rst iiuid outlet conduit in said stator member opening to said annular space adjacent one side of each said channel, means providing a second iluid outlet conduit in said stator member opening to said annular space adjacent the other side of each said channel, means providing a fluid inlet conduit leading to said stator member and opening to the base of each channel therein, there being clearance between said abutments and said channels for uid ow between said inlet conduit and said annular space, and means connecting said uid inlet and outlet conduits separately to the exterior of said power converter, of valve means for selectively closing either one of said outlet conduits whereby the fluid owing from said inlet conduit to the other of said outlet conduits reacts with said abutments to induce rotation of said rotor, the direction of rotation being dependent upon which of said outlets is closed.

6. A fluid power converter assembly comprising a rotor and a stator, one of said members being journalled within the other, the members being concentrically mounted and rotatable one with respect to the other about their common axis, said members having opposing contoured surfaces cooperating to provide an annular space therebetween, means enclosing the ends of said members to prevent escape of iiuid from said annular space, each of said contoured surfaces being provided with a plurality of equispaced axially extending channels and with recessed portions intermediate each pair of adjacent channels, said recessed portions establishing chambers in said annular space, the number of channels and recessed portions in said rotor exceeding the number of channels and recessed portions in said stator, a plurality of abutments for partitioning said annular space and for reacting with uid therein, there being one abutment iloatingly positioned in each said channel, means providing a first liuid outlet from said stator communicating with said annular space adjacent one side of each channel therein, means providing a second fluid outlet from said stator communicating with said annular space adjacent the other side of each channel therein, means providing a uid inlet leading to said stator and communicating with the base of each channel therein, there being clearance between the walls of said channels and said abutments for tluid iiow between said iluid inlet and said annular space, means connecting said inlet and said outlets to the exterior of said power converter, and valve means for selectively closing one of said outlets whereby the huid owing from said inlet to the other of said outlets reacts with said abutments to induce rotation of said rotor, the direction of rotation being dependent upon which of said outlets is closed.

7. A fluid power converter comprising, in combination, a stator member and a rotor member mounted for rotation one with respect to the other, there being a fluid chamber therebetween, means closing the ends of said members to prevent escape of iiuid from said iluid chamber, an abutment for partitioning said chamber, means providing a channel in one of said members slideably receiving said abutment, said abutment being movable slideably into said chamber to react with liuid therein, means providing lirst and second uid outlet conduits` in said one member communicating with said chamber on opposite sides of said abutment for conveying iiuid from said chamber, and means providing a separate huid inlet passage leading from the exterior or said power converter to said channel behind the abutment therein, there being clearance between the walls of said channel and said abutment for fluid iiow from said inlet passage to said chamber, the construction and arrangement being such that, upon closure of either of said iiuid outlet conduits, uid under pressure introduced to said chamber through said inlet reacts with said abutment to induce rotation of said rotor member, the direction of rotation of said rotor member being dependent on which of said outlet conduits is closed.

8. A uid power converter comprising, in combination, lirst and second substantially cylindrical members mounted concentrically for rotation one with respect to the other about their common axis, there being an annular fluid chamber between the opposing surfaces of said members, means enclosing the ends of said members to prevent escape of fluid from said chamber, said first member having a plurality of equispaced, axially extending channels in the periphery thereof opening to said chamber, a plurality of axiallyT extending abutments, there being one abutment lioatably disposed in each said channel, said abutments being freely movable radially to engage the opposing surface of said second member to thereby partition said chamber and react with iluid therein, means providing a uid outlet conduit communicating with said chamber adjacent one side of each said channel, and means providing a liuid inlet conduit leading from the exterior of said power converter to the base of each said'channel, said inlet conduits constituting the sole inlets to said chamber, there being clearance between said abutments and the walls of said channels for liuid tiow to said chamber from said inlet conduit, said uid reacting with said abutments to induce rotation of said second member.

9. A uid power converter comprising, in combination, a stator member and a rotor member mounted for rotation one with respect to the other, there being a iluid chamber therebetween, means enclosing said members to prevent escape of iiuid from said chamber, an abutment for partitioning said chamber, means providing a channel in one of said members slideably receiving said abutment, said abutment being movable slideably into said chamber to react with huid therein, means providing a fluid outlet conduit communicating with said chamber on one side of said abutment, and means providing a separate iiuid inlet conduit leading from the exterior of said power converter to said channel behind the abutment therein, said inlet constituting the sole duid inlet to said chamber, there being clearance between said abutment and the walls of said channel for iiuid ow from said uid inlet conduit to said chamber, said fluid reacting with said abutment to induce rotation of said rotor member.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 678,338 Harger July 9, 1901 762,126 Bond .lune 7, 1904 807,421 Dickison Dec. 12, 1905 869,397 Tippett et al. Oct. 29, 1907 1,997,184 Ruehrnan Apr. 9, 1935 2,840,991 Nisbet Q.-- July 1, 1958 

